An Interview With: Andy Schofield

Last year, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) supporter and veteran, Andy, took on a mammoth Walking Home For Christmas (WHFC) challenge. He walked from London to Manchester (350km) over the course of five days. We sat down with him to find out what inspired him to take on the challenge and how he prepared.

What were you reasons for signing up to WHFC?

I signed up for WHFC firstly to support my veteran community. It pains me to see so many people who served that are now suffering mentally, physically, and emotionally. The rise in veteran homelessness is staggering and the transition to civvy street is nuanced and complex. I wanted to do my part for the community and to raise money for WWTW, a shining light in the veteran charity space!

I also wanted to raise awareness for people who have, are, and will suffer with poor mental health. By sharing my personal struggles with this affliction, I wanted to encourage people to speak up and prove that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness.

Tell us more about your WHFC challenge.

In December 2022, I walked 350km over five days, from the Cenotaph in London to the Cenotaph in Manchester. I walked solo, carrying all my kit and equipment and slept in a tent in -6-degree temperatures. I purposely made this challenge as difficult as possible as I wanted to physically demonstrate what it’s like to suffer with poor mental health.

It feels isolating, like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders and it’s impossible to overcome. By sharing my story and completing this challenge I wanted to show others who are suffering that there is a way back, poor mental health doesn’t have to define you. With effort, perseverance, and the will to get better you can climb out of the valley of despair.

Thinking back, what was the toughest part of the challenge for you?

The preparation for this challenge was all encompassing, I dedicated every evening after work and weekends for five months to prepare my body physically and develop the mental strength to push myself past limitations.

I was in constant pain, extremely fatigued and had to sacrifice time with my daughter, family, and friends. When I was at low points in the preparation, I knew there was a bigger purpose and if I couldn’t self-motivate I would think of all the veterans and people suffering to drive me on.

What is your favourite memory from the walk?

The kindness of strangers was incredible, people who owned small business would give me coffee and food to show support. Working with the WWTW and Challenge The Wild team was something I will never forget; the level of support was incredible, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them. Finishing my challenge was high on the list too.

Do you have any advice for people who have already signed up or are considering signing up to Walking Home For Christmas this year?

It doesn’t matter the distance, the amount raised, or if you are a veteran - being part of something greater than yourself can inspire and motivate you in other aspects of your life.

Do something amazing this Christmas and support those who served, and the fantastic work done by WWTW.

Sign up and start fundraising for veterans and their families this December at www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com.